PHOTO: BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of terrorism is among the agenda discussed at the 18th Five Power Defence Arrangement’s (FPDA) Defence Chiefs’ Conference (FDCC) at the capital yesterday. The issue of terrorism had also become the main topic of discussion in strengthening the defence ties and commitment among member countries since 1971.
Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Mohamed Noor said he believed the FDCC under the FPDA was the best platform to discuss the issue with the opinions and views of the five member countries were well taken into consideration.
“Through the conference, all the FPDA member countries agreed to strengthen security in the region by improving their interaction and cooperation in defence, including in combating the ever-changing threats of terrorism.
“We also stressed on the commitment of the five countries to FPDA and emphasised the importance of the FPDA to remain as a conservative and transparent force,” he told a press conference after the FDCC here. The Defence Chiefs of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom and Malaysia had been engaged on the FPDA since 1971.
“The engagement also involves information exchange and joint military exercise to ensure that the FPDA would stay relevant and effective in supporting defence security and military issues in the region,” he said. -Bernama
